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Aircraft are often the only means of transportation across the vast regions of northern Canada where there are few roads. Where there are winter roads built on the compacted snow and ice, unpredictable weather can make ground travel dangerous.
In order to safely reach remote communities year-round, On Eagle’s Wings owns 2 twin engine Piper Aztecs, C-GPQA and C-GEHH, which provide transportation for staff and volunteers. These aircraft are well equipped to deal with many different weather conditions found in the north and can easily cover the long distances between communities. C-GPQA was donated by friends of On Eagle’s Wings in 1999 and since then has flown many miles between our base in Yellowknife and remote communities in the Northwest Territories.
In 2004, On Eagle’s Wings received the donation of a second airplane, C-GEHH which went into service at the new Fort McMurray base in March 2005. Still bearing its original colours, C-GEHH needed fresh, new paint if it was to be protected from the harsh climate and flying conditions in the north. Sunday School children throughout Canada and the United States responded to an invitation to join other friends of On Eagle’s Wings to raise more than $25,000 to help paint the plane. C-GEHH rolled out of the paint shop in March, 2006. The old, faded paint was replaced by the striking blue, green and gold colors of On Eagle’s Wings. There is a special plaque in C-GEHH recognizing all of the Sunday Schools and individuals who helped us Paint the Plane. Children are an important part of the ministry of On Eagle’s Wings. We are grateful for their participation and support of our ministry.
Two volunteer pilots work along side On Eagle’s Wings’ pastors. Will Brander, and Jack Scheper are professional airline pilots who volunteer their time off to fly for us. They enjoy trading their big jets for the Aztecs and visiting people in communities that are often inaccessible to larger aircraft. In addition to being excellent pilots, they are also valuable ministry partners to our pastors. Together, our pilots have many years of safe flying experience. We are immensely thankful for their commitment to safety and of their time, talent, and experience.
As fuel costs rise, On Eagle’s Wings remains committed to operating the aircraft as safely and efficiently as possible. We appreciate our behind-the-scenes partners: the fuel suppliers, charter operators, engineers and mechanics, who generously assist us in maintaining our aircraft to the highest standards.
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